Pakistan is grappling with a concerning decline in natural gas production, witnessing an annual decrease of 8-9 percent. However, a glimmer of hope has emerged as promising signs point towards the existence of substantial shale gas reservoirs. These optimistic findings stem from the KUC-1 pilot well, located in Hyderabad, Sindh, a venture that was set in motion by the Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) in 2020.
According to a study conducted by USAID, Pakistan holds a staggering potential of over 3,000 trillion cubic feet (TCF) of shale gas resources spread across various shale horizons.
The exploration at KUC-1 has been marked by significant progress. Vertical drilling revealed two layers of rock housing shale gas, with plans to extend this exploration to a third layer in the upcoming month. Initial data analysis after fracking the first two layers has indicated the presence of abundant shale gas. The next phase involves horizontal drilling, which will reach depths of 1,500-2,000 meters within the expansive 3,000-6,000-meter well.
Dr. M Saeed Khan Jadoon, an advisor to OGDCL specializing in oil and gas exploration and head of the shale gas division, shared these insights. OGDCL has already secured an agreement with Schlumberger, Pakistan, to facilitate the fracking of both vertical and horizontal layers.
To bolster their expertise in shale gas exploration, OGDCL has intensified efforts in developing the skills of their human resources within the shale gas sector. As part of this initiative, team members have been sent to China and the USA, ensuring they stay updated on the latest advancements in shale gas discovery techniques. This mirrors the substantial investments being made by both the USA and China in the exploration of shale gas.
Dr. Jadoon concluded by revealing that within three months, horizontal drilling will commence at the pilot well, with a target completion date set for August 2024. This ambitious endeavor could potentially transform Pakistan's energy landscape, mitigating the challenges posed by declining natural gas production.